Containers having one or more compartments and a handle

ABSTRACT

Containers having one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void formed within the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container comprising one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures. This invention further relates to a container comprising two or more compartments, wherein said two or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the two or more compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers having handles are well known in the art. Such containers have been used for a multitude of products including chemical packages, food packages, cleaning packages, and the like. While these containers are well known in the art, they continue to have longstanding problems associated with their use. Often these containers are difficult to control because of the poor placement of the handles onto the container. The handle placement often necessitates the use of two hands to control the container. Further, additional effort is required to work with these containers because of the poor placement of the handle with respect to the center of gravity of the bottle. Additionally, molding or attaching the handle onto the container often prove difficult and costly.

Containers having two or more compartments are also known in the art. Such multiple compartment containers allow for the co-packaging of compositions that cannot easily, stably, or cost-effectively be packaged in standard one compartment containers. Often, these multiple compartment containers or packages allow for foaming to occur when two separate substances are dispensed and react. Recently, some isolated examples of consumer products in dual compartment containers have seen some commercial success. Especially successful are dual-compartment adhesives, especially of the epoxy type. Other examples include, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,873, currently used for “Mentadent®”, and U.S. Pat. No. D430,798, currently used for “Liquid Plumr®”. Both of these products use top-dispensing containers and are free from handles, spigots and/or dispensing mechanisms. Both of these products are marketed to provide a single benefit when the dual compositions are combined. The “Liquid Plumr®” product when placed on a shelf so that the title (front) label can be seen, hints at the dual compartment structure, but only in that the opaque package, equally colored in both compartments, nonetheless is deeply grooved.

While containers having two or more compartments may be relatively common in product areas outside of laundry products, these types of compartments are rare in the laundry product field and have not enjoyed wide commercial success. The primary difficulty in utilizing multi-compartment containers with laundry products involves the ability of the user of the container to pour the contents of the container without excessive difficulty. The difficulties associated with multiple compartment containers, as well as single compartment containers, involve problems with utilizing a handle that provides poor control ability as well as increased expense. Specifically, there has not been a convenient and simplified way to create a package that is both low cost and easily controllable by the consumer. Further, it has proved difficult to form a container that, in addition to being easy to handle and low in cost, can be configured to utilize one or more compartments.

Therefore, a need exists to provide a container that can have one or more compartments, can be made for a low cost, and can be handled by the consumer without excessive difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container comprising one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures. In one embodiment, the structure is made from a plastic. In a more preferred embodiment, the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. In an even more preferred embodiment, the plastic is high density polyethylene.

In one embodiment, the one or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the at least one handle is at least partly hollow. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is in fluid communication with the one or more compartments. In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one handle encompasses the center of gravity.

In one embodiment the container is formed by blow-molding. In another embodiment, the container is formed from one piece of plastic.

In one embodiment, the container further comprises at least one sealer functionally connected to the at least one opening. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.

The present invention also relates to a container comprising two or more compartments, wherein said two or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the two or more compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures. In one embodiment, the structure is made from a plastic. In a preferred embodiment the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment the plastic is high density polyethylene.

In one embodiment, the two or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the at least one handle is at least partly hollow. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is in fluid communication with the one or more compartments. In a more preferred embodiment, the location of the at least one handle encompasses the center of gravity.

In one embodiment, the container is formed by blow-molding. In another embodiment, the container is formed from one piece of plastic. In yet another embodiment, the at least one opening is divided by a septum.

In one embodiment, the container further comprising at least one sealer connected to the at least one opening. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.

The present invention further relates to a container comprising two compartments, wherein said two compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the two compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures. In one embodiment, the structure is made from a plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the plastic is high density polyethylene.

In one embodiment, the two or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the at least one handle is at least partly hollow. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is in fluid communication with the one or more compartments. In a more preferred embodiment, the location of the at least one handle encompasses the center of gravity.

In one embodiment, the container is formed by blow-molding. In another embodiment, the container is formed from one piece of plastic. In yet another embodiment, the at least one opening is divided by a septum.

In one embodiment, the at least one sealer connected to the at least one opening. In another embodiment, the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.

The present invention further relates to a container comprising one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void formed extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void wherein the projection of the handle through the void divides the void into at least two apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a front view showing an embodiment of the container with dual compartments.

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a bottom view showing an embodiment of the container with dual compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointing and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description.

All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention

The compositions of the present invention can include, consist essentially of, or consist of, the components of the present invention as well as other ingredients described herein. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or component may include additional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition and all measurements made are at 25° C., unless otherwise designated.

All measurements used herein are in metric units unless otherwise specified.

It has now surprisingly been discovered that a container having one or more compartments can be fabricated inexpensively, while maintaining the characteristics of being easy to manipulate and pour, as well as distributing the contents contained within the packaging in a substantially fixed ratio. Further, the container is formed such that it is easily scaleable to accommodate different internal volumes. The present invention solves these problems by the discovery of a container comprising one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the handle, the void, the placement of the handle and void within the container, and the weight of the container act synergistically to produce a container that is easy to manipulate and pour. The handle, the void, the placement of the handle and void within the container, and the weight of the container are such that the handle is placed in proximity to or substantially at the center of gravity of the container. This handle placement, along with void placement within the container and the weight of the container create a “fulcrum effect” whereby the container lends itself to being rotated about an axis that passes though or near the handle and/or the void. This fulcrum effect results in an improved ability to manipulate the container resulting in improved pouring.

As used herein, “container” refers to a hollow or partially hollow vessel having one or more compartments capable of maintaining a composition for an indefinite period of time. The container may be free standing, substantially rigid, flexible and malleable, a malleable bag, a malleable sachet, a malleable pouch, and combinations of such forms. A preferred form is a free-standing container having an opening for pouring or dispensing the compositions from the container under the influence of gravity. The container is especially suitable for dispensing a plurality of doses of a two-part or multi-part liquid or other fluid composition. The container can preferably be opened and closed repeatedly at the opening; however, containers that can only be opened once without resealing can likewise be utilized.

Compartments

The compartment can be in any shape and size capable of containing a composition for an indefinite period of time. The dimensions of the compartments can be varied depending on end-use, and the size and shape of the compartments can be modified to incorporate different dimensions and features. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to modify the compartments for a particular use. In one embodiment, the compartment has a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml, preferably from about 100 ml to about 4000 ml, more preferably from about 500 ml to about 3000 ml, even more preferably from about 750 ml to 2250 ml. In a second embodiment embodiment, the containers of this invention are used for materials sold in bulk volumes, such as for “club stores” or “discount stores”. In such a bulk volume embodiment, the compartment has a volume of at least about 500 ml, preferably at least about 1000 ml, more preferably at least about 2000 ml, and even more preferably at least about 5000 ml. The container of the present invention is capable of housing any fluid, including fluidizable solids (solid particles small enough to pour in a fluid-like manner, such particles typically having a diameter of less than about 2.6 cm). One of ordinary skill in the art would know how to modify the shape, size, materials, and other properties of the one or more compartments of the container to properly contain any fluid.

The relative dimensions of the compartments within the container may vary as well. For example, in a dual-compartment execution, although two equal dimensioned compartments may be used, embodiments in which the compartments have different dimensions are also contemplated. For example, in one dual-compartment embodiment, one compartment of the container is capable of holding 2500 ml of a composition while the second compartment of the container is capable of holding 500 ml of a composition.

In a dual compartment embodiment where equal distribution is desired, the compartments and the opening or openings are of similar size, shape and cross section. Further, the cross section of the container can have a significant impact on the ability of a consumer to accurately dispense compositions from the dual compartments in a 1:1 ratio. Not to be bound by theory, but it is believed that certain cross sections reduce the user's tendency to rotate the container during the pour. Generally, the shapes that provided more consistent, accurate dispensing include those shapes that have rounded smooth surfaces such as ovals, ellipses and rounded pyramids. Surprisingly however, containers having circular cross sections provide less consistent, accurate dispensing. Container shapes that have straight sidewalls such as rectangles, triangles and diamonds also provide less consistent, accurate dispensing. While containers with circular cross sections and container shape having straight sidewalls are not ideal, the present invention contemplates their use.

In a preferred embodiment the compartment or compartments are curved and shaped in such a manner that allow optimal draining with minimal residence time within the container. One way of achieving such a shape is to curve or bend at least the inner surface of the compartment of the container in such a manner that the material within the container is directed out of the opening of the container. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to shape the container and/or the compartment or compartments to facilitate such draining characteristics.

Void

At least one void is formed at least partially through the structure formed by the one or more compartments of the container. The void of the present invention provides an open volume where a handle intersecting the void can be manipulated. Preferably, the void is of a size and shape that a handle intersecting the void can be manipulated by a human hand. The void can be of any size and volume that allows the handle to be manipulated by a user in its space. The void preferably has a volume, excluding the handle of between about 50 cm³ to about 2000 cm³, preferably from about 100 cm³to about 1000 cm³; more preferably from about 150 cm³to about 500 cm³; even more preferably from about 190 cm³ to about 300 cm³. Optionally, the void extends completely through the structure in at least one direction. In one embodiment, the location of the void encompasses the center of gravity of the container. Not wishing to be bound by theory, the void provides a space for the placement for the handle, as well as the necessary space for a human, an animal, or a machine to manipulate the handle of the container.

While the void in one embodiment extends completely through the structure, in another embodiment the void extends at least partially through the structure. The void can be partially blocked by a label, one or more compartments of the invention, a removably placed void blocking portion, and the like. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the partial blocking of the void on one side encourages the user to manipulate the container by the handle.

In the present invention, the handle extending across the void forms at least two apertures. These apertures provide areas for grasping and manipulation of the handle. Preferably, at least one of these apertures is large enough for a human hand to enter. In one embodiment, the apertures of this invention are of the same size and shape. In another embodiment, the apertures are of different size and shape. At least one aperture of the present invention has an area of between about 1 cm² to about 10 cm², preferably from about 2 cm² to about 8 cm², more preferably from about 3 cm² to about 7 cm².

In one embodiment, the handle intersects the void wherein the projection on the handle though the void divides the void into at least two apertures. The projection of the handle through the void is a two dimensional shadow that would be formed on a surface by a light shining though the void, whereby the handle, the compartments, etc., are not clear for the purposes of the projection and form a shadowed region. For the purpose of a projection in embodiments where the void extends only partially through the structure, the portions blocking the void are clear for the purposes of the projection. In this manner, handles that curve out of the plane of the container still cast a projection shadow such that the handle divides the void into at least two apertures.

Handle

The handle of the present invention is functionally connected to the structure formed by the one or more compartments of the container. The handle of the present invention is connected in such a manner that allows manipulation of the handle by a human, an animal or a machine. The handle can be connected to the structure formed by the one or more compartments of the container by any method known in the art. Such methods include molding, co-molding, welding, grafting, adhering, screwing, nailing, and the like. In a preferred embodiment the handle is co-molded with the one or more compartments of the container. By having the handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void, the balance and the pourability of the container are vastly improved. The preferred location for the at least one handle at least encompasses the center of gravity of the container. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the improved balance and pourability of the container having at least one handle that at least encompasses the center of gravity of the container is derived from the proximity of the handle to the center of gravity of the container. The forces acting on the container and the compositions therein are more evenly distributed around the handle, decreasing the effort necessary to maneuver the container and minimizing the strength necessary for a human or a device to manipulate.

In an embodiment having two or more compartments and an opening or openings of similar size and shape, the handle of the present invention is functionally connected to the structure formed by the two or more compartments of the container such that when the at least one handle is utilized to pour rheologically similar compositions (viscosity within about ±15%) from the container, the compositions within the one or more compartments of the container are released at a volumetric ratio of from about 1.25 to 1 to about 1 to 1.25.

In one embodiment, the handle of the container is at least partially hollow. In one embodiment, the handle is fluidly connected to the compartment. The inside of an at least partially hollow handle can function as part of the compartment. The at least partially hollow handle gives the compartment increased storage volume by allowing the compositions in the one or more compartments the additional storage capacity of the at least partially hollow handle. In a dual compartment embodiment, the at least partially hollow handle can be divided so that each compartment has an increase in total volume by incorporating volume portions from the at least partially hollow handle. The inner volume of the at least one handle in this embodiment is separated in a manner that prevents any compositions from intermixing in the compartments or the at least partially hollow handle.

In another embodiment, the at least one handle of the container is not fluidly connected to the compartment. The at least one handle of this embodiment can be solid, at least partially hollow, or completely hollow. Where the handle is solid, it is preferably made of a single material. Where the handle is at least partially hollow or completely hollow, the hollow area within the at least one handle is preferably filled with a gas, such as air, nitrogen, and the like. The hollow area within the at least one handle can also be filled with a colored liquid, a non-colored liquid, or exist in at least in a partial vacuum.

In one embodiment, the handle can be at least partially observed from the front, back, and sides of the container. It is believed that such a handle readily communicates to the consumer the location and orientation of the handle, thus improving the usability of the bottle as well as the overall consumer experience.

Opening and Sealer

At least one or more openings are fluidly connected to the one or more compartments. The at least one or more openings function to allow the compositions within the one or more compartments to exit the one or more compartments and/or the container. In one embodiment, each individual compartment has an opening. This configuration allows greater control of the amount of composition that is released from the one or more compartments.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more compartments have an opening divided by a septum. The opening divided by a septum effectively channels the various compositions in the one or more containers out of one opening, while preferably keeping the compositions separated until they exit the container. The opening divided by a septum offers the ability to pour compositions from more than one compartment out of a single opening. This is achieved by placing a septum in the opening in a manner that does not allow the compositions in multiple compartments to mix in the opening. Typically, an opening divided by a septum can be covered with a sealer that will seal not only with the sealer, but with the septum as well so that a seal is provided that prevents leakage from the container as well as contamination due to leakage from one compartment to another. Optionally, the septum is extended from the opening through the container to further delineate the separation of the compartments. Contamination is of utmost concern, as it is anticipated that the contents of the various compartments may be incompatible or tend to degrade or react with one another. Any leakage from one compartment to another should be prevented. Further, unless a mixing compartment or chamber is integrated into such a container, the flowable compositions should not come into contact with one another until they are dispensed from the bottle.

Optionally, a sealer is functionally connected to the opening. The sealer seals, closes, and/or locks the compositions within the container. Any type of sealer known in the art can be utilized with the container. Such sealers include, but are not limited to diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof. The sealers of the present invention maintain at least about 90%, preferably at least about 95% and most preferably at least about 99% of the volume in the container when the sealers are actuated.

In a two or more compartment embodiment, the sealer is preferably connected to the opening in such a manner that encourages the user to orient the container in a particular direction. In a preferred dual compartment embodiment, the sealer is connected to the opening in such a manner that encourages the user to orient the container such that the material being poured from the dual compartment container exits in a set ratio, preferably from about 1.5 to 1 to about 1 to 1.5, more preferably from about 1.25 to about 1 to 1.25, even more preferably from about 1.1 to 1 to about 1 to 1.1. For example, a “flip cap” can be attached to the opening of the container. In the open position, the lid of the flip cap is positioned in such a manner that the user would be forced to orient the bottle in a particular direction for pouring that would not cause the material to be poured on the lid.

In one two or more compartment embodiment, the two or more compartments are capable of being sealed substantially simultaneously. In such an embodiment, the actuation of one sealer functionally seals, closes, and/or locks the compositions within the two or more compartments.

In another two or more compartment embodiment, the sealer is capable of releasing one material at a time. In such an embodiment, each compartment is independently sealable, allowing material from any combination of containers to be released at the same time, while keeping sealed any combination of containers. By incorporating such a system, the user is free to customize the dosing of the compositions contained within the two or more compartment container.

Materials

The container of this invention can be made of any material known by one of ordinary skill in the art capable of holding compositions in place for an indefinite period of time. While soft or nonrigid materials can be used; materials rigid enough to sit in a substantially upright position are preferred. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals, woods, plastics, ceramics, and combinations thereof. Plastics are especially preferred. Preferable plastics include thermoform plastics and thermoset plastics. Such plastics include, but are not limited to high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. Likewise the materials may be processed in single or multiple layers. Because a variety of different materials may be used in the construction of the containers of the present invention the materials selected will be based on the intended end use and characteristics required of such a container

It is readily known to one of ordinary skill in the art that the material used to form the container can possess wide range of colors and hues. One of ordinary skill would readily know how to color and process the materials used to form the container to achieve any variations in color, as well as degrees of transparency including see-through clear, translucent, and opaque.

In one embodiment, a dual-compartment container of the present invention may have two opaque color compartments that are visibly distinct from one another by the variance in color. Such a combination serves to further distinguish that the individual compartments of the dual-compartment container house different compositions.

In another embodiment, the container of the present invention is designed to be refillable. In such an embodiment, the container is not discarded upon the use of the entirety of its contained compositions. After the use of these compositions, the container is refilled with like or different compositions, according to the desired use.

In yet another embodiment, it is envisioned that the container of this invention can be utilized with tag for electronic recognition systems. These tags, as used in the art, are used for various activities including identification, pricing, communication with a central database, communication with a centralized source for refilling and other purposes, and the like.

The formation of the container will vary according to the container material selected. In one embodiment, the container of the present invention is formed from a plastic. An exemplary way of forming a plastic is by blow-molding. Surprisingly, the containers of this invention can be formed by blow-molding in one step instead, for example, of first forming a portion and then transforming it in an additional “reforming” step. By blow-molding in one step, the containers can be formed at a reduced cost and with the ideal minimum number of process operations. The container of this invention has proved to be as easy and simple to produce as an equivalent size container without the handle of the present invention, with no increase in material and process time. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the handle of the present invention is created by the effective use of variations of known blow-pins and molds. Forming the containers by blow-molding in one step eliminates the adding of additional inserted pieces or the gluing together of compartments, all of which represent additional assembly steps and material consumption. More specifically, the container can be manufactured by simple adaptation of current manufacturing methods described in copending WO 02/22467 incorporated herein by reference, notably, the container can be blow molded in a single manufacturing step using conventional shuttle or wheel blowing molding machines in such a way that the container will accommodate a sealer. By blow molding in a single manufacturing step, the container can be blow molded without the need for reforming and heating.

While blow-molding can be used to produce the container of the present invention, other methods, including other blow-molding variants, can be used. For instance, the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,882,574 and 5,928,681 can be used.

The container, by its general shape and design, avails itself to several unique applications. In one embodiment, the container is removably packaged with at least one other product. Such a product would preferably be placed within the void of the container. The product can be any such product capable of being packaged within the void of the container. For example, in a dual compartment embodiment, the compartment contains a third composition that is administered consecutively or concurrently.

In another embodiment, the opening or the sealer of the container is adapted to fit a dosing implement. A dosing implement is any device capable of containing a composition for release at a selected time or in a selected condition. In such an embodiment, the composition or compositions contained within the container, in part or as a whole, are transferred into the dosing implement. The dosing implement is then set for release of the composition or compositions at a selected time or under selected conditions. As a non-limiting example, a dual compartment container is adapted to contain both detergent and fabric softener. The detergent and fabric softener compositions are transferred to the dosing implement. The dosing implement is then placed inside of an automatic washing machine where the detergent is released in the wash cycle and the fabric softener is released in the rinse cycle.

In yet another embodiment, the container of the present invention contains instructions for communicating with a user. The instructions can be printed directly on the container or can be placed on the container in the form of a label. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to print instructions on a container made from a particular material. Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to affix or attach a label to a container. In a preferred embodiment, the label spans the circumference of the container.

Laundry Composition

In an embodiment for use herein are dual component laundry compositions that simultaneously deliver or provide more than one laundry benefit. “Laundry benefits” in general include fabric cleaning and fabric care of consumer garments or domestic finished textile goods. For example, one component may provide cleaning benefits, while the second component provides bleaching and/or softening benefits. In another embodiment for use herein are dual component laundry compositions that provide dual benefits. For example, one component may provide cleaning benefits, while the second component provides bleaching or softening benefits. In yet another embodiment are dual component compositions having a first component and a second component where the first and second components are physically or chemically incompatible with each other and/or where the first and second components provide a foaming reaction when combined.

Laundry compositions herein more specifically include heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents (HDL's), liquid laundry detergents with bleach and/or bleach catalyst, compositions containing a fabric care component (for example, a softening, color protecting, fabric-protecting and/or anti-wrinkle active), compositions containing a fabric-treatment component, liquid detergents containing a fabric care component, and the like. For examples of laundry compositions and components thereof, see Liquid Detergents, Vol. 67 Surfactant Science Series, Edited by K. Y. Lai, Published By Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1997. See in particular, Chapter 8 on heavy-duty liquid detergents from Page 261-324 and references cited therein.

“Fabric cleaning” includes the benefits from the use of surfactants and/or detergents and may involve any known mechanism such as interfacial tension lowering and/or oily soil roll-up and emulsification and/or soil suspension and/or soil anti-redeposition in the presence of surfactants optionally with polymers and/or electrolytes. Soil hydrolysis and/or depolymerization may be involved, as is commonly the case with detersive enzymes such as the common hydrolases, more specifically including proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof. Soils can vary widely and can include localized, often highly colored marks or stains, more generalized graying or discoloration, oily marks, skin debris, presence of common sooty or clay-like dirt and the like. “Fabric cleaning” in common laundry detergents includes the action of detergent cleaning ingredients such as the aforementioned surfactants, polymers and enzymes, as well as the action of bleaches, chelants and other cleaning adjuncts.

“Fabric care” includes fabric softening, anti-wrinkling, shape retention, anti-shrinkage, ease of ironing, prevention of dye-transfer (or bleeding), color-brightening, color rejuvenation, maintenance of color, prevention of abrasion and/or other similar benefits distinguished from cleaning benefits in that fabric care benefits maintain or add to the appearance, aesthetics or physical properties of fabrics without there being a required element involving soil. Often fabric care benefits are accomplished by the reverse of cleaning, for instance, by depositing materials onto fabrics rather than removing them.

In general, any combination of laundry ingredients, especially any combination of ingredients having different chemical structures or functions, may be capable of providing measurably different benefits in fabric laundering. In an embodiment for use herein are compositions which are capable of providing at least two distinct benefits. As used herein, “distinct benefits” refers to benefits selected from whitening or stain removal, cleaning benefits, bleaching benefits, fabric care benefits, and combinations thereof, that are consumer noticeable (including but not limited to noticeable in the standard tests of textile institutes); and preferably involve a technical challenge. More preferably, the “distinct benefits” are benefits that are difficult to accomplish by merely mixing the combination of ingredients in a unitary liquid cleaning product.

Examples of preferred sets of at least two distinct benefits include: (a) simultaneously providing the cleaning that is typical of an anionic detergent surfactant such as a sodium linear alkylbenzenesulfonate and the fabric care that is typical of an ester-quat fabric softener; (b) simultaneously providing the cleaning that is typical of an enzymatic detergent such as one containing a protease, and the cleaning that is typical of an enzyme-reactive bleach, such as a peroxyacid bleach, including N,N-phthaloylaminoperoxycaproic acid.

One example of a set of two distinct laundry benefits is to include a typical heavy-duty liquid detergent, or at least a surfactant and/or an enzyme, in one compartment, and in the other compartment to include any known textile treatment chemical that under normal circumstances would be considered chemically reactive with or otherwise incompatible with the contents of the former compartment. Such ingredients include all manner of textile finishes, softeners, anti-shrink agents, color protecting and/or fabric agents and the like which are chemically reactive (especially with respect to textile fibers) and/or which would normally be applied to fabrics in textile finishing rather than laundering operations.

Also available are dual component compositions having a first component and a second component where the first and second components are physically or chemically incompatible with each other and/or where the first and second components provide a foaming reaction when combined. For examples of dual component laundry compositions, see PCT Published Application WO 01/00765, to DeBuzzacarini, et al., published Jan. 4, 2001 and see PCT Published Application WO 02/22772, to DeBuzzacarini, et al., published Mar. 21, 2002. For other examples of dual component laundry compositions, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/679,578, to Scialla, et al. filed Oct. 6, 2003 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/679,579, to Scialla et al. filed Oct. 6, 2003.

Preferred laundry products herein are capable of providing at least two distinct laundry benefits and comprise a two component laundry composition, preferably having flowable form, packaged, located or contained within a dual-compartment container, where a first component, preferably a flowable composition, is located within a first compartment and a second component, also preferably a flowable composition, is located within a second compartment of the container. In such a case the first composition can for example be a fully-formulated heavy duty liquid detergent (preferably a laundry detergent) without bleach and comprising at least a cleaning surfactant, and the second preferably includes a bleach, bleach activator, bleach catalyst, bleach booster, or mixture thereof. Preferably, the second component comprises a fabric care ingredient, more preferably which is substantially free from cleaning ingredients.

For a partially formulated bleach or bleach catalyst in flowable form, no other component is required other than the bleach or bleach catalyst and a suitable solvent or suspending medium. In another suitable case the first flowable can be a liquid laundry detergent not containing an esterquat softener or a silicone, while the second flowable can be a fabric care composition comprising a common commercially available esterquat softener and/or a silicone with a solvent or suspending medium such that the fabric care composition or component is flowable. The formulation of fluid laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches and the like is well known in the art.

EXAMPLE

A preferred container is illustrated in the appended FIGS. 1-2. In FIG. 1, a dual compartment container 2 is shown having a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 6 separated by a septum 16. The septum 16 divides the entire length of the dual compartment container 2, isolating the compositions in the first compartment 4 from the second compartment 6. The handle 8 is made up of a first handle portion 12 and a second handle portion 10. The first handle portion 12 is in fluid communication with the first compartment 4, and the second handle portion 10 is in fluid communication with the second compartment 6. The first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 10 are also separated by the septum 16, the septum 16 also preventing any fluid communication between the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 10. The handle 8 divides the void 22 forming a first aperture 24 and a second aperture 26. The unitary opening 14 is in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6.

In FIG. 2, the relationship between the unitary opening 14 and the dual compartment container 2 is more easily ascertained. The unitary opening 14 is separated by the septum 16 to form a first opening volume 18 and a second opening volume 20. The first opening volume 18 is in fluid communication with the first compartment 4, and the second opening volume 20 is in fluid communication with the second compartment 6.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A container comprising: one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void formed extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the structure is made from a plastic.
 3. The container of claim 2 wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.
 4. The container of claim 3 wherein the plastic is high density polyethylene.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein the one or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one handle is at least partly hollow.
 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the at least one handle is in fluid communication with the one or more compartments.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the location of the at least one handle encompasses the center of gravity.
 9. The container of claim 1, formed by blow-molding.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is formed from one piece of plastic.
 11. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least one sealer functionally connected to the at least one opening.
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-raining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.
 13. A container comprising: two or more compartments, wherein said two or more compartments form a structure; at least one void formed extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the structure is made from a plastic.
 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the plastic is high density polyethylene.
 17. The container of claim 13, wherein the two or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml.
 18. The container of claim 13, wherein the at least one handle is at least partly hollow.
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein the at least one handle is in fluid communication with the one or more compartments.
 20. The container of claim 13, wherein the location of the at least one handle encompasses the center of gravity.
 21. The container of claim 13, formed by blow-molding.
 22. The container of claim 13, wherein the container is formed from one piece of plastic.
 23. The container of claim 13, further comprising at least one sealer connected to the at least one opening.
 24. The container of claim 24, wherein the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.
 25. The container of claim 13, wherein the at least one opening is divided by a septum.
 26. A container comprising: two compartments, wherein said two compartments form a structure; at least one void formed extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming at least two apertures.
 27. The container of claim 26, wherein the structure is made from a plastic.
 28. The container of claim 27, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.
 29. The container of claim 28, wherein the plastic is high density polyethylene.
 30. The container of claim 26, wherein the two or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml.
 31. The container of claim 26, wherein the at least one handle is at least partly hollow.
 32. The container of claim 31, wherein the at least one handle is in fluid communication with the one or more compartments.
 33. The container of claim 26, wherein the location of the at least one handle encompasses the center of gravity.
 34. The container of claim 26, formed by blow-molding.
 35. The container of claim 26, wherein the container is formed from one piece of plastic.
 36. The container of claim 26, further comprising at least one sealer connected to the at least one opening.
 37. The container of claim 36, wherein the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self-draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.
 38. The container of claim 26, wherein the at least one opening is divided by a septum.
 39. A container comprising: one or more compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void formed extending at least partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void wherein the projection of the handle through the void divides the void into at least two apertures.
 40. The container of claim 1, comprising a first compartment and a second compartment wherein the first compartment contains a first composition comprising a heavy-duty liquid detergent composition and the second compartment contains a second composition comprising a peroxyacid bleach.
 41. The container of claim 1, comprising a first compartment and a second compartment wherein the first compartment contains a first composition comprising a heavy-duty liquid detergent composition and the second compartment contains a second composition comprising a fabric softener. 